In the glass
Aroma: dark cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, espresso, warm spice
Palate: medium-full body, velvety tannins, crushed blueberry, round, cocoa finish
The flagship Fronsac estate red from 60 hectares on clay-limestone soils above the Dordogne. Merlot-led and supple with dark chocolate and ripe cherry; aged in spectacular 16th-century underground cellars at constant 13 degrees.
What it pairs with
-
Magret de canard with cherries
Duck breast richness is lifted by the wine's ripe cherry and dark fruit character; spice complements the sauce. -
Pork shoulder with prunes and Armagnac
Sweet-savory braised pork and dried fruit resonate with the wine's plum and chocolate register. -
Grilled entrecote with green peppercorn sauce
Velvety tannins cushion the steak; the wine's licorice note echoes the pepper. -
Mushroom and walnut salad with Roquefort
Earthy mushroom and pungent cheese find counterpoint in the wine's round, supple texture.
How to serve Chateau de la Riviere
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Magret de canard with cherries, Pork shoulder with prunes and Armagnac, Grilled entrecote with green peppercorn sauce. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Chateau de la Riviere is one of the oldest estates in Fronsac, with records dating to the 16th century. The property's spectacular cave network, carved into the limestone cliffs above the Dordogne, was used for ageing wine from the earliest vintages. Xavier Buffo acquired the estate in 2003 and engaged Michel Rolland as consulting winemaker, elevating quality to regional leadership.
- 1530 — Estate established; limestone cave network used for wine storage
- 2003 — Xavier Buffo acquires the estate; Michel Rolland engaged as consultant
- 2018 — 2018 vintage drew strong critic reviews from Fronsac (reviewer-points tuples on scores array)
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau de la Riviere
- Grapes
- Merlot (84%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), Malbec (2%)
- Classification
- Fronsac AOC
- Oak
- 15 months in French oak: 40% new, 60% once-used barrels
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Production
- 280,000 bottles
- Price
- €25-45 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1530
Scores
- Decanter 93 (2018 vintage, reviewed 2021)
- Wine Advocate 92 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Chateau de la Riviere
What does Chateau de la Riviere taste like?
On the nose, dark cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, espresso. On the palate, medium-full body, velvety tannins, crushed blueberry, round, cocoa finish. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a medium finish. The flagship Fronsac estate red from 60 hectares on clay-limestone soils above the Dordogne. Merlot-led and supple with dark chocolate and ripe cherry; aged in spectacular 16th-century underground cellars at constant 13 degrees.
When should I drink Chateau de la Riviere?
Drink 3-12 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Chateau de la Riviere?
Magret de canard with cherries is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Pork shoulder with prunes and Armagnac and Grilled entrecote with green peppercorn sauce. Duck breast richness is lifted by the wine's ripe cherry and dark fruit character; spice complements the sauce.
What grapes are in Chateau de la Riviere?
The blend is Merlot (84%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), Malbec (2%). The wine is classified as Fronsac AOC.